News Summary
Plano has achieved recognition for its exemplary park system, securing the 17th position in the 2025 ParkScore Index published by Trust for Public Land. The ranking highlights Plano’s commitment to providing residents with access to parks and recreational spaces, with approximately 81% of residents living within a ten-minute walk of a park. While Dallas and Frisco also performed well, other Texas cities showed varied rankings. The annual report emphasizes the importance of public parks to community well-being and quality of life.
Plano has been recognized for its impressive park system, ranking 17th on the 2025 ParkScore Index, published by Trust for Public Land. The ranking places Plano among the top cities in the United States, where it excels in providing residents with access to parks and recreational spaces.
The ParkScore Index evaluates the park systems of the 100 most populous cities in the U.S. using five key categories: acreage, access, equity, investment, and amenities. A significant aspect of Plano’s high ranking is its accessibility; approximately 81% of Plano residents live within a ten-minute walk of a park, surpassing the national average of 76%.
While Plano claimed the 17th position, other Texas cities saw varied rankings. Dallas was positioned at 34th, matching Plano’s impressive percentage of 81% of its residents living close to parks. Frisco followed at 37th with 70% of residents having nearby park access, while Arlington, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, Houston, Garland, Fort Worth, Laredo, and Corpus Christi ranked lower on the list, with Lubbock and Irving landing at the bottom with 94th and 99th places, respectively.
For example, Austin ranked 54th, with 68% of its residents living within walking distance of a park. San Antonio experienced a decline from 53rd to 57th, while Houston’s ranking improved to 66th due to enhanced park investments, including a significant per capita spending increase from $110 to $127. Despite this increase, Houston’s access rate remains at only 63%, below the national average.
The annual report reveals that compelling public interest lies in parks, with a recent survey indicating that 89% of surveyed residents in these cities visited a public park at least once in the past year. Additionally, the survey highlights that 79% of respondents regularly visit local parks, feeling comfortable spending time in these spaces. This trend underscores the cultural and social importance of public parks, showcasing their ability to unite individuals across various demographic and ideological lines.
In comparison, cities outside Texas also feature in the top rankings, with Washington, D.C. maintaining its status as the leading city for park systems for the fifth consecutive year, achieving a score of 85.5 out of 100. Other notable mentions in the top five include Irvine at 84.3, Minneapolis at 83.6, Cincinnati at 82.0, and St. Paul at 81.8. Notably, Cincinnati registered the most considerable increase in ranking, going from eighth to fourth after a significant $5 million renovation of a downtown park.
Overall, Plano’s recognition in the 2025 ParkScore Index reflects its commitment to fostering accessible and equitable park systems. As cities continue to prioritize green spaces and recreational areas, the focus remains on enhancing the quality of life for residents, cementing the invaluable role of parks in urban environments.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- CultureMap Houston
- Wikipedia: ParkScore Index
- Spectrum Local News
- Google Search: Texas parks ranking
- Community Impact
- Google Scholar: Houston park investment
- KHOU
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Houston park score
- Dallas Express
- Google News: Dallas park ranking
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
